Helpers, Construction Trades

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Mix mortar, plaster, and grout, manually or using machines, according to standard formulas.85
• Cut materials to specified sizes for installation, using power saws or tile cutters.82
• Erect scaffolding or other installation structures.81
• Locate and supply materials to masons for installation, following drawings or numbered sequences.79
• Clean installation surfaces, equipment, tools, work sites, or storage areas, using water, chemical solutions, oxygen lances, or polishing machines.73
• Apply grout between joints of bricks or tiles, using grouting trowels.72
• Modify material moving, mixing, grouting, grinding, polishing, or cleaning procedures, according to installation or material requirements.71
• Remove damaged tile, brick, or mortar, and clean or prepare surfaces, using pliers, hammers, chisels, drills, wire brushes, or metal wire anchors.70
• Remove excess grout or residue from tile or brick joints, using sponges or trowels.70
• Arrange or store materials, machines, tools, or equipment.66
• Transport materials, tools, or machines to installation sites, manually or using conveyance equipment.63
• Provide assistance in the preparation, installation, repair, or rebuilding of tile, brick, or stone surfaces.62

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Monitoring50

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Time Management50

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Listening47

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Judgment and Decision Making47

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Operations Monitoring44

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Social Perceptiveness44

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Speaking44

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Troubleshooting44

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Complex Problem Solving41

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Building and Construction81

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Mechanical55

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Design53

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Mathematics51

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• English Language50

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Public Safety and Security43

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Production and Processing35

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Administration and Management31

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Chemistry31

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Customer and Personal Service30

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Engineering and Technology30

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Education and Training26

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Trunk Strength66

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Multilimb Coordination63

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Static Strength63

  The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness60

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Near Vision60

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Extent Flexibility56

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Far Vision56

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Manual Dexterity56

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Information Ordering53

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Visualization53

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Control Precision50

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Deductive Reasoning50

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects86

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Getting Information82

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials81

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems77

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities76

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events75

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings74

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment73

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Controlling Machines and Processes70

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates69

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work66

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People64

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability70

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail56

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cooperation51

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Cautiousness48

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance37

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Stress Tolerance31

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Integrity29

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Humility27

  A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

• Self-Control23

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation19

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Adaptability12

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Optimism10

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional39

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Social15

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic10

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Investigative6

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day95%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day91%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually75%
  • More than half the time11%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day73%
  • Once a week or more but not every day12%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day61%
  • Once a week or more but not every day27%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day64%
  • Once a week or more but not every day20%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually66%
  • More than half the time20%
  • Less than half the time15%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day76%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important46%
  • Very important37%
  • Important13%

• Exposed to High Places

  • Every day61%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%
  • Once a year or more but not every month17%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually48%
  • More than half the time29%
  • About half the time13%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Every day43%
  • Once a week or more but not every day43%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk Revit, Computer aided design and drafting CADD software, EasyCAD Iris 2D, TileGem

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Project management software

  CPR Visual Estimator, Daystar iStructural.com, Measure Square FloorEstimate Pro, RISA Technologies RISAMasonry

• Data base user interface and query software

  Aya Associates Comp-U-Floor, Microsoft Access

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Accounting software

  Intuit QuickBooks

• Document management software

  Microsoft SharePoint

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Analytical or scientific software

  Construction Management Software ProEst

• Process mapping and design software

  Microsoft Visio

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Society of Concrete Contractors
• American Subcontractors Association
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• International Masonry Institute
• Mason Contractors Association of America
• National Association of Home Builders
• National Tile Contractors Association
• Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association
• The Masonry Society
• Mid-Atlantic Masonry Association
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
• Laborers' International Union of North America
• National Center for Construction Education and Research
• Southern States Millwright Regional Council

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Construction Laborers
• Carpenters
• Helpers--Production Workers
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Insulation Workers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
• Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials.
• Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
• Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
• Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
• Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
• Determine operational procedures.
• Prepare surfaces for finishing.
• Remove excess materials from finished construction projects.
• Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
• Maintain construction tools or equipment.
• Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Marble Finisher
• Tile Finisher